Community Giving Program

STATUS UPDATE

Congratulations to the 39 nonprofit organizations who received $161,000 in grants on Friday, June 2, 2023.

News Release: “ Foundation Supports Future of Coral Gables with Impactful Grants Addressing Community’s Vital Needs Including Arts, Education, Workforce & Environment” (June 2, 2023)

The next grant opportunity will open in early 2024.  Subscribe to our e-newsletter list for a reminder when the next campaign begins.

June 2, 2023 COMMUNITY GRANTS EVENT group shot

2024 COMMUNITY GIVING PROGRAM TIMELINE

  • Wednesday, February 14: Letter of Inquiry period opens
  • Wednesday, February 21:  Q and A Zoom Assistance at 11 a.m.
  • Wednesday, March 6: Deadline for LOI submission (you can send more than one).
  • Monday, March 18: Applications Invited or LOI rejection notice sent
  • June 7, 2024 – Expected Grant Awards Reception

THE COMMUNITY GIVING PROGRAM

The Coral Gables Community Foundation awards grants to deserving local non-profit organizations that address issues within our focus areas and serve those who live, work, learn and play in Coral Gables. Our four focus areas are Education, Arts & Culture, Social & Health Services, and Historic Preservation, Placemaking & Environment.

LETTER OF INQUIRY

In order for a proposal to be considered for funding, first the applicant registers and submits a brief Letter of Inquiry (LOI). Use the form below. Email or postal letters will not be accepted.

TIMELINE

  • Wednesday, February 14: Letter of Inquiry form opens
  • Wednesday, February 21:  Q and A Zoom Call at 11 am
  • Wednesday, March 6: Deadline for LOI submission (you can send more than one).
  • Monday, March 18: Applications Invited or LOI rejection notice sent
  • June 2024 – Expected Grant Awards Reception

All of our Community Giving Program grants benefit the Coral Gables community and focus on:

  • Education
  • Arts & Culture
  • Environment (includes Resilience, Placemaking and Historic Preservation)
  • Social & Health Service

GEOGRAPHIC FOCUS

Your program or project must directly benefit the Coral Gables community.

ELIGIBILITY

All grants are one-year grants. Grants are made only to non-profit organizations, not to individuals or for-profit corporations.

QUESTIONS?

You’re invited to browse “Frequently Asked Questions” further down on this page.

Please email grants@gablesfoundation.org with any queries about the Community Giving Program.

WE DO NOT CONSIDER THESE REQUESTS

  • Sectarian or religious activities
  • Political activities or organizations
  • Grants directly to individuals.
  • Annual fundraising campaigns
  • Special events or fundraisers
  • Organizations operating outside the United States
  • Organizations seeking support for fundraising events
  • Individuals

26 Impactful Grants Awarded in 2022

On August 31, 2022 the Coral Gables Community Foundation awarded $104,500 in grants to 26 deserving local non-profit organizations in its 2022 distribution to support issues within the Foundation’s focus areas: education, arts & culture, placemaking and historic preservation and social & health services. We are excited for this year’s selection of impactful grants for our community.

More than 125 letters of inquiry were submitted in May, and the staff and board reviewed each one diligently and narrowed down the field.

“It is a tremendous point of pride for the Foundation to award grants to so many deserving organizations that serve our City. On behalf of our Board of Directors, it is our privilege to support the 26 non-profits that received grants from us this year and to see firsthand the excellent work they do serving our residents,” said Mary Snow, President and CEO.

Press release: https://gablesfoundation.org/2022/08/31/2022-community-grants/ 

Photos by Martin Morcillo, Smashpixelhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/Zzu9y7A3b1TNQ4y49

If you’re a grantee and need assistance, please call Robertson Adams, marketing & program manager, at 305-446-9670 or email grants@gablesfoundation.org.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


In 2021, you used to have a Spring and a Fall Application Cycle. Can I wait to apply in the Fall? 

This will be our only Community Giving grant application period for the year. We have transitioned to a single funding opportunity per year.


Our organization’s programs benefit all of South Florida including the Keys. Can we apply? 

If Coral Gables residents, schools or organizations benefit directly, then go ahead.


Does my non-profit organization need to be headquartered in Coral Gables in order to receive funding? 

No, but we need to see a substantial connection to our city; the program must support the Foundation’s focus areas for our residents, our students or our visitors. 


What does the Foundation mean by “Placemaking, Historic Preservation & Environment?” 

Strengthening the connection between people and the places they share, placemaking refers to a collaborative process by which we can shape our public realm in order to maximize shared value. Monitoring or improving water or air quality. Protecting Biscayne Bay.


Our religious organization has mission work in the community that has a primarily non-worship purpose. Is it eligible? 

Non-worship activities that benefit the Coral Gables community may be considered. 


What’s the typical amount paid by the Foundation in a grant? How much can we ask for? 

In the past, most grants were often between $1,000 and $3,000 in size and there were about 50 to 70 grantees per year. This year, we expect 25 to 30 grants to be awarded, with a ‘sweet spot’ of 3,000 to 7,000. We may make a handful of larger ones. For comparison, last year there were 26 grants and the average was $3800 per award.


How can I check on the status of the Letter of Inquiry I submitted?
Can you confirm receipt of a Letter of Inquiry?

You won’t be able to find out anything until our review committee selects LOIs for an invitation around June 1. At that time we’ll send an invitation by email only to the selected applicant.


Can I modify my Letter of Inquiry? Can I change the amount?

Even our staff is locked out of making any modifications to the LOIs or the organizational information submitted with it.


How can I be prepared for the next steps? 

Here are the file uploads and text responses required for the full Proposal. File uploads include:  Completed form detailing your Project/program budget including expenses and revenues; IRS letter of determination indicating 501(c)(3) status; your board contact information; most recent IRS Form 990 (tax filing).  Text responses include: Brief organizational mission statement; description of why your organization is requesting these funds, what the funds will be used for and what outcomes we can expect; and how will Coral Gables Community Foundation’s contribution be acknowledged or recognized?  None of your responses or files should not be emailed. Finally, if your organization is selected for an award, you’ll need to have your CEO sign a grant agreement and an IRS form W-2. Disclaimer: This list is not meant to be comprehensive and it may change. And please don’t submit any of this until you’re invited to do so.


When is the next application window for Letters of Inquiry in the Community Giving Program? What should I do with a request between now and next year?  

We have no date set for this, but the Community Giving Program could be expected to open again in Spring of 2024.


When will we find out the status of our Letter of Inquiry?  

We’ll be sending notifications to invite full applications in early April. IF you didn’t get one, you may watch for a declination letter later in April. A grants reception event will be held in May or June.